NH 4-H Dairy Project

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Dairy Project

4-H Dairy project members participate in one of the largest animal project areas. In addition to learning about and caring for an animal, 4-Hers can also participate in quiz bowls, judging clinics and contests, clinics that teach you how to prepare for a show, while also learning about management and production practices along the way. Senior 4-H members may even attend the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, WI to connect with other passionate dairy 4-H members.

In the dairy project, 4-H members only show the female animals. Most 4-H members show heifer projects, a female dairy cow that has not given birth. Dairy heifer projects range from 4 months old to 2 years old. Once the heifer has calved, she is considered a cow. 4-H members may also show their older cow projects, and many enjoy breeding their animals and developing their own herd.

There are six main breeds of dairy cattle: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, and Milking Shorthorn. A 4-H project animal does not need to be registered or full-blood, but most 4-H members chose to do so, so that they are eligible to show in larger competitions.

Requirements to Show

Additional Requirements for 4-H Shows at The Big E

Resources

Events

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year
Required Animal Age: 4 months or older
Animal Vaccination Requirements: Rabies vaccination (recommended vet administered) 30 days and not more than one year prior to the date of the show. Animal must originate from a non-quarantined, tuberculosis-negative herd. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.
Required Animal Identification: Permanent ID – Ear tag (preferred) or legible tattoo.
Dairy project animals must be entered into a 4-H member’s ZSuite account by June 1 (including a copy of the animal borrowing/ sharing form if applicable) to be eligible to show at NH 4-H shows.

Up to 36 4-H members, 12 and older as of January 1 of the current year, are selected with their animals to participate as the NH 4-H Dairy Team at The Big E. This competition brings together the best 4-Hers in the dairy project from throughout the New England area. The selection process is based on the animal’s confirmation and fitting and showmanship placings.
Youth wishing to partake in this team need to complete the following qualification criteria found in the NH 4-H Qualifying for ESE form.
Additional animal criteria and requirements can be found at: https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/4-h/packets.